Women In Construction Project takes-off

The much-awaited Women In Construction programme has finally taken off, this follows the launch of a home development in Tshepong near Vereeniging.

Speaking at the launch Gauteng 's MEC for Housing Ms Nomvula Mokonyane said this housing initiative would ensure that women constructors are recognized within the construction industry. She added that the time has come to afford women an opportunity and not confine them in the kitchen.

The Tshepong housing development is spearheaded by Patricia Gumbi. This woman contractor is one of the 10 women contractors who have been allocated work to the tune of R200 million. This initiative, Women In Construction is the department's initiative to empower women in construction.

The Tshepong housing development consists of two phases. The first phase which is already underway and about 500 houses are expected to be build while 463 houses will be built in the second phase.

But for the project to be successful the community itself will have to support the project, the MEC told the community. Their support added the MEC would ensure that the project is smooth running and therefore improves their lives.

The executive Mayor of Emfuleni Mr Mlungisi Hlongwane said despite all odds facing the government, particularly in Gauteng , however, this will not stop the housing delivery.

The projects by the 10 women will rope in members of the community to work on these projects and apart from alleviating poverty the communities will also acquire skills. As houses are being build this new development will also play a pivotal role in the eradication of informal settlements as Gauteng is gearing towards the total eradication of informal settlements by 2014.

An ecstatic Mr Abram khathide said moving into a new house could not have come at a better time. "My family has grown and I now have four children." However. Mr Khathide who had applied for a house in 1996 urged fellow applicants to be patient.